Hypocalcaemia in dogs and cats

Calcium is the main mineral element in the body with 99% found in bony tissue. It affects the permeability of cellular membranes, the activation or inhibition of enzymes, muscular contraction, neuronal excitability, hemostasis, etc. The maintenance of blood-calcium concentration is by glomerular filtration, renal tubular reabsorption, digestive absorption and osscous metabolism. Total blood calcium is routinely measured. However only ionised calcium is biologically active. Blood-protein and -albumin concentrations must be taken into account to measure the true blood-calcium concentration. True hypocalcaemia appears essentially as a neuromuscular disturbance. Ancillary tests are used to determine the cause. The usual treatment is correct administration of calcium. Administration too rapidly or excessively can aggravate the disorder.